What are the definitions of “pack up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop doing something.
You should PACK UP smoking.
- 2Finish work.
We had nothing left to do, so we PACKED UP early.
- 3Break down, stop working.
My printer PACKED UP last night- I'll have to get a new one.
- 4Collect things and put them where you keep them.
At the end of the presentation, I PACKED UP my laptop.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pack up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pack up is to collect things and put them where you keep them. It is often used when preparing to leave a place or when tidying up. For example, it can mean putting away your belongings after a trip, cleaning up after an event, or organizing your things before moving.
What are the different verb forms of “pack up”?
| Root Verb | pack up |
| Third Person Singular Present | packs up |
| Present Participle | packing up |
| Simple Past | packed up |
| Past Participle | packed up |
Example
Before leaving the hotel, we need to pack up our suitcases.
Example
She packs up her desk at the end of the workday.
Example
He is packing up his belongings before moving to a new house.
Example
Yesterday, they packed up their camping gear and headed home.
Example
The toys were packed up and stored in the attic.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pack up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“pack up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She packed up her things before leaving.
Example
He packed up the picnic supplies after lunch.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“pack up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She packed up her things before leaving.
Example
He packed up the picnic supplies after lunch.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pack up”?
Good things to know
Does “pack up” have an informal or formal tone?
Pack up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For instance, when discussing work or travel preparations, it can have a more formal tone. However, in most cases, pack up is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
